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Whether it’s a boarding pass or a visa document, sometimes you still need to print physical documents. Here’s your guide to printing in Dublin, Ireland. 

As much as I wish that no one ever needed physical documents and this post was irrelevant (it’s the millennial in me 🤷‍♀️), the fact remains that you simply need to print from time to time. Such was the situation I found myself in recently, when I returned to the Dublin Library several times to print a variety of documents ahead of my move to France. 

I used other printing services for a while when I first moved to Ireland, but when I first used the system at the public library in Cork, I knew I didn’t need to look elsewhere. The library printing system in Ireland is easy to use, efficient, takes card/Apple Pay, and just seems to work most of the time. So, why look elsewhere?

In this post, I’ll cover everything I think you ought to know before heading off to print documents in Dublin. 

Where to Print Documents in Dublin

It can be a pain to try to find a printer when you’re traveling or anytime you’ve just arrived in a new country. If you’re staying in a hotel, you can typically print in the lobby – even if it’s not advertised. Otherwise, Ireland makes printing pretty easy – you can print at local libraries or by visiting a local print shop. 

So, here are the best options for printing documents in Dublin. 

Your Hotel (If Visiting)

For a quick document or two, the most convenient option is probably going to be your hotel. Hotels often have printers and are willing to print a few pages for guests if you ask. 

This was the case when I was staying at Jacobs Inn Dublin recently. In my case, I needed several documents printed and organized for a visa application, so I knew it was too much to ask of them.  

Dublin Library

For bigger jobs or those who aren’t staying in a hotel, I highly recommend that you print at a local library. In Dublin, that’s the Dublin Library, but all public libraries around the Republic of Ireland have the same printing system. 

You do not need a library card to print at the libraries in Ireland. To operate the printer, you simply email your documents to the posted email address, enter the code that was sent to your email to retrieve the job, pay, and voilà! You can pay with cash or card, and Apple Pay is accepted. 

You can print in black and white or color at the libraries in Dublin. The Dublin City Council has a page on their website with current prices, instructions, and the email addresses for the printers. Or, you can simply follow the posted instructions at the library after you arrive. 

Private Printing Companies 

Like most places, there are also some private companies around Dublin that offer printing services. One popular spot in Dublin is Reads Design & Print, where you can print documents and other custom items. 

If you only need to print a document, I would only go to a private printing company if it’s very conveniently located – the library is usually cheaper and just as easy. For larger or more complicated jobs, however, the library probably won’t cut it (think: binding, vibrant color, unusual size, etc.). Instead, you should go somewhere like Reads. 

If you would prefer to print using a USB flash drive, most private companies can support them. I have a USB + USB C Memory Stick that works with my MacBook Air and standard printers that support USB sticks.

Tips For Printing Documents in Dublin

Printing at the Dublin Library or elsewhere in Ireland is usually pretty self explanatory, but I thought I’d include a few tips to make the process even smoother. 

Double and Triple Check Formatting

If you’re printing off something where the formatting matters (visa document, medical form, etc.), I recommend that you double or triple check the formatting of your PDF before you print. The standard paper in Ireland is a slightly different size, so you could run into issues – especially if you’re printing from a document instead of a PDF. 

After you print, double check that everything looks OK before you leave. 

The Dublin Library Has a Scanner/Photocopier, Too

In addition to printing services, the Dublin Library has a scanner and photocopier. The machine works similarly to the printing service, and you still don’t need a library card to use it. Keep in mind, there’s only one scanner/photocopier as of this writing – so leave extra time in case it’s already in use when you arrive. 

Check Hours Before You Go

Libraries are not known for being open late or especially early, so double check the hours before you go. The same is mostly true of private printing companies; I certainly wouldn’t expect them to be open past dinnertime. In some cases, you may need to take care of your printing a day early.  

The Dublin Central Library is open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 8pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm. You can find current hours and holiday closures on the Dublin City Council website. 

Leave Plenty of Time

There’s only one printer at the Dublin Library, so it’s possible someone else will be using it when you arrive. Additionally, it can take several minutes from when you send your document to the email system to receive the retrieval code. 

I would leave at least 20 minutes to print at an Irish library. You may be in and out much quicker than that, but I’m sure we all remember what it’s like to try to rush technology when it does not want to be rushed – it usually doesn’t end well. 

Have the Documents Ready to Go Before You Arrive

Whenever possible, and because there may be a line, I like to spend a few minutes collecting my documents before I approach the printer. You could have them all uploaded into an email on your phone before you arrive, or, if scanning, neatly organized in a folder. 

Remember: others may need to use the printer, too, so it’s important to be as efficient and courteous as possible. 

FAQs: Where to Print Documents in Dublin 

Need to print in Dublin and still have unanswered questions? Here are the answers to common queries from other travelers and locals. 

Can I print at Dublin Library?

Yes, one of the best places to print in Dublin is at the Central Library on Henry Street inside the ILAC Shopping Centre. There is one printer available in the main library, and a second printing and scanning station at the bottom of the steps on the way in. You do not need a library card to print at Dublin Library. 

Where can I print documents from my email?

In Ireland, you can easily print documents from your email on your phone. When you get to the library, there’s usually a forwarding email address posted that you can use – one for printing in black and white and another for color. Just forward the documents to the appropriate email address and then pay to retrieve them once they’re ready. 

In a country that can be rather expensive to visit, printing is luckily still very affordable. 

Can I print at Tesco?

Tesco is one of my favorite places in Ireland to buy shampoo, groceries, and other staples, but I’ve never seen one with document printing services in Ireland. So, I would not reliably plan to print at Tesco, unless you know for sure that the shop has this service. Instead, I recommend printing at a local public library, printing shop, or at your hotel if you’re a visitor. 

Conclusion: Where to Print Documents in Dublin

Whether you’re navigating immigration systems, traveling, or otherwise just need to print while you’re in Dublin, I hope this post helped you locate a reliable printer. It can be stressful trying to figure out where to print, especially as printers seemingly become more and more obsolete. 

Should you need to mail something after you print in Dublin, just walk over to the General Post Office. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and the building is an important place in Irish history.